Prognosis Of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research Articles

Fetal MRI-Based Mediastinal Shift Angle (MSA) and Percentage Area of Left Ventricle (pALV) as Prognostic Parameters for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is broadly used as a method for assessing prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In addition to the extent of lung hypoplasia, determined by measuring the lung volume, cardiac impairment due to pulmonary hypertension and left cardiac hypoplasia is decisive for the prognosis. The percentage area of left ventricle (pALV) describes the percentage of the inner area of the left ventricle in relation to the total area, whereas the mediastinal shift angle (MSA) quantifies the extent of cardiac displacement. The prognostic value of pALV and MSA should be evaluated in terms of survival, the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, and the development of chronic lung disease (CLD). In a total of 122 fetal MRIs, the MSA and pALV were measured retrospectively and complete outcome parameters were determined regarding survival for all 122 subjects, regarding ECMO therapy in 109 cases and about the development of CLD in 78 cases. The prognostic value regarding the endpoints was evaluated using logistic regression and ROC analysis. The MSA was significantly higher in children who received ECMO therapy (p = 0.0054), as well as in children who developed CLD (p = 0.0018). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.68 for ECMO requirement and 0.77 with respect to CLD development. The pALV showed a tendency towards higher levels in children who received ECMO therapy (p = 0.0824). The MSA and the pALV had no significant effect on survival (MSA: p = 0.4293, AUC = 0.56; pALV: p = 0.1134, AUC = 0.57). The MSA determined in fetal MRI is a suitable prognostic parameter for ECMO requirement and CLD development in CDH patients and can possibly be used as a supplement to the established parameters.

Failure to Normalize Biventricular Function Is Associated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use in Neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

We examined postnatal echocardiograms for 62 infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia born from 2014 through 2020. Left and right ventricular dysfunction on D0 were sensitive, whereas persistent dysfunction on D2 was specific for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement. Biventricular dysfunction had the strongest association with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Serial echocardiography may inform prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Antenatal Assessment of the Prognosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Ethical Considerations and Impact for the Management.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with abnormal pulmonary development, which is responsible for pulmonary hypoplasia with structural and functional abnormalities in pulmonary circulation, leading to the failure of the cardiorespiratory adaptation at birth. Despite improvement in treatment options and advances in neonatal care, mortality remains high, at close to 15 to 30%. Several risk factors of mortality and morbidities have been validated in fetuses with CDH. Antenatal assessment of lung volume is a reliable way to predict the severity of CDH. The two most commonly used measurements are the observed/expected lung to head ratio (LHRo/e) and the total pulmonary volume (TPV) on MRI. The estimation of total pulmonary volume (TPVo/e) by means of prenatal MRI remains the gold standard. In addition to LHR and TPV measurements, the position of the liver (up, in the thorax or down, in the abdomen) also plays a role in the prognostic evaluation. This prenatal prognostic evaluation can be used to select fetuses for antenatal surgery, consisting of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO). The antenatal criteria of severe CDH with an ascended liver (LHRo/e or TPVo/e < 25%) are undoubtedly associated with a high risk of death or significant morbidity. However, despite the possibility of estimating the risk in antenatal care, it is difficult to determine what is in the child’s best interest, as there still are many uncertainties: (1) uncertainty about individual short-term prognosis; (2) uncertainty about long-term prognosis; and (3) uncertainty about the subsequent quality of life, especially when it is known that, with a similar degree of disability, a child’s quality of life varies from poor to good depending on multiple factors, including family support. Nevertheless, as the LHR decreases, the foreseeable “burden” becomes increasingly significant, and the expected benefit is increasingly unlikely. The legal and moral principle of the proportionality of medical procedures, as well as the prohibition of “unreasonable obstinacy” in all investigations or treatments undertaken, is necessary in these situations. However, the scientific and rational basis for assessing the long-term individual prognosis is limited to statistical data that do not adequately reflect individual risk. The risk of self-fulfilling prophecies should be kept in mind. The information given to parents must take this uncertainty into account when deciding on the treatment plan after birth.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Prognostic value of hernia sac and size of defect

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital malformation with challenging management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of hernia sac and defect size on the prognosis of CDH in Tabriz children’s hospital. Methods: In this prospective study, all the infants with the diagnosis of CDH that were admitted to the Tabriz children’s hospital since 2016-2019 were enrolled. The presence or absence of a hernia sac was evaluated, and the largest diameter on diaphragmatic defect was measured before the repair. Postoperative outcomes, including instability, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality rate, or hospital discharge were obtained and analyzed. Results: Over the study period, 30 patients with CDH met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 15 males and 15 females. Fifteen cases were diagnosed during the first 24 hours of life and 16 cases experienced hypoxia in the first hour after birth. Defect size was significantly smaller in survived patients (P=0.041). Postoperative death occurred in 9 (42.85%) patients without a hernia sac. Results showed that none of the cases with hernia sac expired (P=0.035). Conclusion: In our study, the presence of the hernia sac was related to a lower postoperative mortality rate. Defect size in survived group was also smaller. It can be suggested that the presence of hernia sac and lower diameter of defect size act as good prognostic factors in the outcome of patients with CDH.

Predicting Perinatal Outcomes in Fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Using Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital fetal disease, which mainly causes pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Effective early prenatal diagnosis can detect and predict the prognosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in infants, thus provide a reference for prenatal counseling, early intervention, and potential choices for the child's family. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the most commonly used methods for non-invasive examination of the fetus. This paper discusses evaluation parameters based on these two imaging modalities.

The Complexity of Prenatal Prognosis in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Clues to Clinical Heterogeneity

The Complexity of Prenatal Prognosis in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Clues to Clinical Heterogeneity

The Complexity of Prenatal Prognosis in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Clues to Clinical Heterogeneity

Background Accurate prenatal counseling impacts obstetrical and neonatal care of fetuses diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Numerous prenatal imaging features such as liver herniation (LH), total lung volume (TLV), observed/expected Lung-to-Head ratio (O/E LHR), and percent predicted lung volume (PPLV) have been independently shown to predict outcomes. In an era of standardized treatment for neonates with CDH and with technological advancements in prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, we …

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with heart defect has a high risk for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and major extra-cardiac malformations: 10-year national cohort from Finland.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has a well-known risk of congenital heart defects with poor prognosis. This study was conducted to determine the national total prevalence and prenatal detection rates of CDH with heart defects and its association with major extra-cardiac malformations and to further evaluate the impact of the heart defect severity on survival. A 10-year national cohort was derived from four national registries, including live births, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. The study cohort was sorted according to cardiac defect severity. The total prevalence of CDH with heart defects was 0.6/10000 births and live birth prevalence 0.3/10000 live births. Of 145 cases with CDH, 37 (26%) had a concurrent heart defect. The overall prenatal detection rate of heart defects was 41%. The total prevalence (483/10000) and live birth prevalence (500/10000) of hypoplastic left heart syndrome were 124 and 250 times higher than in the general population in Finland, respectively. Additional major extra-cardiac malformations were found in 68% of cases. The survival rate for CDH with major heart defects was 11 and 38% with minor heart defects. The total prevalence of hypoplastic left heart syndrome was significantly higher in CDH patients than in the general population in Finland. Prenatal detection rate for heart defects in CDH patients was 41%. Major extra-cardiac malformations were more common than previously reported. The prognosis of CDH with major heart defects remained poor.

Prognosis in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosed During Fetal Life

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a malformation that continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality and can be difficult to clinically manage. Determination of prognosis can greatly add to the decision-making process in prenatally recognized CDH, predominantly by the recognition of specific ultrasound findings. Ultrasound findings that are important include hernia type, laterality, lung size, position of the fetal liver and stomach, and the presence or absence of other anomalies. In general, prognosis is best in cases where CDH is an isolated anomaly, the liver and stomach remain within the abdominal cavity, and the lung size corresponds to a lung area to head circumference ratio of ≥1. Position of the stomach also corresponds with prognosis, is easier to reliably determine with ultrasound, and can indirectly predict the position of the liver. The following is a review of the literature and experience in the care of fetuses with CDH at the University of California, San Francisco, a large tertiary referral center, in using these ultrasound findings to predict prognosis.

Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: An 8-Year Experience

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common congenital anomaly with significant morbidity and mortality. Few surveys have been reported regarding the prenatal status, clinical course and postnatal outcome of CDH. The symptoms and prognosis depend on the location of the defect and associated anomalies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of clinical factors on the prognosis of CDH in our pediatric hospital. Methods: We analyzed 74 records of CDH neonates referred to our center for surgery between 2008 and 2015. We investigated the associated factors with the outcomes of CDH using the information extracted from the hospital records. The perinatal status, clinical course and the postnatal outcome were reviewed. Survival was defined as infants alive at hospital discharge. Results: A total of 74 CDH cases were identified. Of these, 27 (36.5%) cases were females and 47 (63.5%) males. The type of hernia in 73 (98.6%) cases was Bochdaleck and 1 (1.4%) case was Morgagni. Seventeen (23.9%) cases had right-sided CDH and 57 (76.1%) cases left- sided CDH. Also, 90.5% underwent open surgery and 9.5% thoracoscopic repair. Forty-seven (63.5%) cases survived and 27 (36.5%) cases succumbed. The survival rate had a significant statistical correlation with the place of delivery. The death rate was higher in neonates referred from other hospitals in our town in comparison to other cities (P = 0.008). Also, the resuscitation history, the status at admission (intubated or not intubated) (P = 0.00), existence of skeletal anomalies (P = 0.02) and brain hemorrhage (P = 0.045) had a significant correlation with the survival rate. The side of herniation, herniated organs, type of operation (open or thoracoscopic), cardiac and renal anomalies and age at the time of surgery had no significant correlation with outcome. Conclusions: The overall mortality rate in CDH was high in our series. Neonates with CDH should be delivered in institutes with the neonatal intensive care unit and surgery ward to prevent complications. To achieve better survival rates, pulmonary hypertension should intensively be controlled and the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be used in selected cases.

Predictors of prognosis in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: experience of 12 years

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe malformation, displaying relevant mortality and morbidity rates in newborns.Aim: To characterize clinically and demographically all neonatal cases of CDH admitted to a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during a 12-year period and to evaluate the predictive value of baseline characteristics on mortality and morbidity at discharge.Methods: Maternal/infant clinical and electronic records were ret-rospectively reviewed. All neonates with posterolateral CDH admitted between January 2003 and December 2014 were included.Results: Fifty-three newborns were included. Overall mortality during hospitalization was 22/53 (41.5%). Clinical characteristics associated with mortality were the presence of intrathoracic liver (p = 0.005), intrathoracic stomach (p = 0.015), elevated arterial pCO2 or lower pH values at admission (respectively, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001), pre-ductal oxygen saturation < 85% at admission (p = 0.012) and surgical repair with prosthetic patch (p = 0.041). Morbidity at discharge was reported in 7 (22.6%) survivors. Stomach herniation and sepsis were associated with higher morbidity (respectively, p = 0.012 and p = 0.029). In a logistic regression, patch repair was the only variable with predictive value for death during hospitalization, with an odds ratio (OR) of 15 (95% CI 0.98-228.9), and intrathoracic stomach was a predictor of morbidity at discharge (OR = 15.7, 95% CI 1.4-174.2).Conclusion: Structural characteristics, namely defect size and presence of intrathoracic stomach, remain the primary determinants of neonatal prognosis in CDH. Although post-natal approaches have progressively proven their value in increasing survival and improving management of high-risk cases, future researches should continue focusing on the definition of foetal anatomical markers of severity and prenatal treatment of CDH.

Echocardiographic predictors of poor prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background/purposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate echocardiographic parameters in relation to the outcomes of isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted among patients with CDH born between 2006 and 2010. Patients in this study did not have severe cardiac malformations or chromosomal aberrations. Patients with incomplete echocardiographic examinations were excluded. In total, 84 patients with left-sided isolated CDH were included in this study. The prognostic parameters were obtained from postnatal echocardiographic images within 24h after birth. ResultsEight patients died before 90days of birth. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of continuous right to left shunt at the ductus, left pulmonary artery diameter of <2.7mm, right pulmonary artery diameter of <3.3mm, and left ventricular diastolic diameter of <10.8mm, were the predictors of poor prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that right pulmonary artery diameter of <3.3mm (adjusted OR 10.28, 95% C.I.: 1.15–249.19) and left ventricular diastolic diameter of <10.8mm (adjusted OR 7.86, 95% C.I.: 1.01–82.82) were predictors of poor prognosis. ConclusionsThis study revealed that the predictors of poor prognosis associated with CDH include smaller right pulmonary artery and left ventricular diastolic diameters. Retrospective Study-Level II.

Prognostic usefulness of derived T2-weighted fetal magnetic resonance imaging measurements in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

ObjectiveTo determine the usefulness of various parameters based on T2-weighted fetal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements of the uninvolved lung for the neonatal prognosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Materials and methodsWe used ultrasonography and MR imaging to study 28 fetuses with CDH. We retrospectively analyzed (a) on fetal ultrasonography, the observed-to-expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR) and the position of the liver, and (b) on fetal MR imaging, the lung-liver signal ratio (LLSR) and the lungcerebrospinal fluid ratio (L/CSF SR). To determine the prognostic value of these parameters, we compared them with the following postnatal parameters: survival, pulmonary hypertension, need for oxygen supplementation, and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ResultsWe found significant differences between O/E LHR and the need for postnatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p=.033) and postnatal survival (p=.01). We also found significant differences in LLSR between fetuses that survived more than 45 days and those that died within 45 days (1.91 vs 2.56; p=.039). ConclusionsIn fetuses with CDH, the LLSR correlates with postnatal survival and can potentially be used as a prognostic parameter in CDH.

Prenatal diagnosis and fetal outcome of 57 cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective To explore the prenatal diagnosis and factors influencing prognosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).Methods Fifty seven cases of CDH prenatally diagnosed by ultrasound in the Department of Obstetrics,Xinhua Hospital from January 1,2006 to March 31,2013 were retrospectively reviewed.Prognosis and risk factors were analyzed by ultrasound characteristics and newborn status.Statistical analysis was performed using t test,x2 test and Logistic regression.Results Forty-five (79％)of all cases were left-side CDH and the rest 12 (21％)were right-side.Fourteen fetuses were aborted.Thirty three were delivered and treated surgically,twenty-three infants survived after surgery and ten died,with an overall survival rate of 40％ (23/57).The other ten cases were delivered,but died of no treated surgically.The birth weight of the surviving neonates was heavier than that of those who died [(3 173 ±348) vs (2 846±568)g,t=2.238,P=0.033].The gcstational age at diagnosis of the aborted fetuses was younger than that of the surviving neonates [(24.0 ± 4.1) vs (30.0± 6.0) weeks,t=3.181,P=0.003].Twenty-one (91％,21/23) of the surviving neonates had a lung-to-head ratio (LHR) ≥ 1.4.A linear trend test showed a negative correlation between LHR and adverse outcome (x2=9.223,P=0.002) with a correlation coefficient-0.730 (P=0.000).LHR＜1.4 (OR=35.867,95％CI:1.861-691.341,P=0.018) and polyhydramnios (OR=9.285,95％CI:1.102-78.212,P=0.040) were risk factors for neonatal death.Right-side CDH (OR=0.158,95％CI:0.009-2.824,P=0.210),liver herniation into the thorax (OR=1.730,95％CI:0.144 20.707,P=0.665) and birth weight (OR=l.002,95％CI:0.999-1.005,P=0.135) were not risk factors.Conclusions The survival rate of CDH is still low.Gestational age on diagnosis,presence of polyhydramnios and LHR＜ 1.4 predict an adverse outcome. Key words: Hernia, diaphragmatic; Ultrasonography, prenatal; Prognosis

Cuantificación de la señal T2 pulmonar por resonancia magnética como factor pronóstico en las hernias diafragmáticas congénitas fetales

ObjectiveTo determine the usefulness of various parameters based on T2-weighted fetal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements of the uninvolved lung for the neonatal prognosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Material and methodsWe used ultrasonography and MR imaging to study 28 fetuses with CDH. We retrospectively analyzed a) on fetal ultrasonography, the observed-to-expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR) and the position of the liver, and b) on fetal MR imaging, the lung-liver signal ratio (LLSR) and the lungcerebrospinal fluid ratio (L/CSF SR). To determine the prognostic value of these parameters, we compared them with the following postnatal parameters: survival, pulmonary hypertension, need for oxygen supplementation, and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ResultsWe found significant differences between O/E LHR and the need for postnatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P=.033) and postnatal survival (P=.01). We also found significant differences in LLSR between fetuses that survived more than 45 days and those that died within 45 days (1.91 vs. 2.56; P=.039). ConclusionsIn fetuses with CDH, the LLSR correlates with postnatal survival and can potentially be used as a prognostic parameter in CDH.

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

In the present study, we review the indications, technical aspects, preliminary results, risks, and clinical implications of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) performed outside the United States and its potential future directions in this country and globally. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 live births and results in high neonatal morbidity and mortality, largely associated with the severity of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension. With the advent of prenatal imaging, CDH can be diagnosed before birth, and in utero treatment is now available in some centers. The prognosis of CDH can be evaluated by assessing the fetal lung size, the degree of liver herniation, and the fetal pulmonary vasculature in isolated forms of CDH. These parameters help classify fetuses as having mild, moderate, severe, or extremely severe isolated CDH. Severe and extremely severe diaphragmatic hernias have poor outcomes and thus are candidates for innovative therapies such as FETO. Fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion is usually performed between 26 and 30 weeks' gestation. In utero, an endoscope is passed through the fetal mouth and down to the carina; the balloon is deployed just above the carina. After the procedure, ultrasound surveillance every 2 weeks ensures the balloon's structural integrity and measures the fetal pulmonary response. At approximately 34 weeks' gestation, the balloon is deflated and removed. Fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion is thought to improve outcomes by decreasing mortality and allowing more rapid neonatal stabilization. Ultimately, the goal of FETO is to minimize pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Following delivery, neonates still require diaphragm repair.

A morphometric investigation of pulmonary sympathetic innervation in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia rats

1) Abstract Pulmonary hypoplasia influences prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) . However the abnormality of pulmonary innervation is not clearly understood. We immunohistochemically examined the lungs of CDH model rats with special reference to sympathetic innervation. Pregnant rats were received nitrofen on gestational day 9 and the fetuses were recovered on gestational day 22. Control animals received only olive oil. Fetal lungs were dissected and the weight was measured. Whole mount sections at the level of main bronchus were immunostained using anti‑tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibody as a sympathetic marker. The proportion of area of TH‑immunoreactive nerve fi bers relative to the total lung area was calculated. The mean lung weight of CDH aff ected side was signifi cantly lower than that of ipsilateral side of controls. The percentage of TH‑positive area of CDH affected side was significantly lower than that of unaffected side. The reduction of pulmonary sympathetic innervation may play an important role in respiratory morbidity in CDH.

Presence of hernia sac in prediction of postoperative outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

We conducted this study to assess the value of presence of hernia sac in prediction of postoperative outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Data were obtained form medical records of 70 children operated for CDH between 2002-12. Postoperative neonatal death occurred in 1/10 (10%) of infants with a hernia sac and 26/60 (43.3%) in cases without a hernia sac, respectively (P =0.04). Perinatal morbidity in surviving infants was lower in the group with a hernia sac although not significantly. We conclude that the presence of a hernia sac is associated with better postoperative outcome and overall prognosis of CDH.

Prediction of postnatal outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia using MRI signal intensity of the fetal lung

Prognostic prediction in prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is needed. The aim of the study was to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity of the fetal lung as a predictor of prognosis in CDH. The subjects consisted of 12 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed CDH, who were treated soon after the birth in our institution. They all underwent MRI at 29 to 37 weeks of gestation. The ratio of the lung signal intensity to the spinal fluid signal intensity (L/SF) was calculated using region-of-interest analysis of T2-weighted images. The relationship between L/SF and clinical data was then examined. L/SF were significantly larger in survivors compared with deaths (0.815 vs 0.614, P<0.05). In survivors, L/SF significantly correlated with duration of tracheal intubation (rs=-0.938, P<0.01). L/SF is a unique factor to predict the survival prognosis and likely to quantify the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia in CDH.

Concomitant malformations and chromosomal abnormalities in prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective To analyze the concomitant malforrnations,chromosomal abnormalities and outcomes in prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) cases. Methods Cases of fetal CDH,prenatally identified in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2002 to November 2008,were recruited.The concomitant realformations,chromosomal abnormalities and outcomes of fetal CDlH were analyzed.Fisher's exact test was applied. Results During the study period,71 CDH cases were identified including 62(87.3%) left-sided CDH and 9 (12.7%) right-sided ones.Among the 71 CDH fetuses,38(53.5%)were isolated CDH.33 (46.5%)were complicated with other realformations(complex CDH),including 18(54.5 0A) cardiovascular defects,10 (30.3%)central nervous system abnormalities,9(27.2 0A)genitourinary abnormalities and others.Fetal karyotying was performed in 19 out of the 71 CDH fetuses.among which 12 were isolated CDH cases with normal karyotype,and 4 of the rest 7(4/7)complex CDH cases with chromosomal abnormalities showing a significant differenee compared to the isolated CDH (P.0.009).Sixty-five pregnancies were terminated including all complex CDH(n=33)and 32 isolated CDH.The rest 6 isolated CDH fetuses were term delivered and 5 of them survived after repair of diaphragmatic hernia and one died after birth. Conclusions Left-sided CDH are more common than right-sided ones. Approximately half of the CDH cases are complicated with other malformations,especially cardiovascular abnormalities.The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases in complex CDH and is relatively low in isolated CDH.The influence of surgical procedure on the prognosis of CDH has not yet determined. Key words: Hernia,diaphragmatic; Ultrasonography,prenatal; Chromosome aberrations